Bagpipe ~ School & Services 
This page is to inform about services
available.
No online sales are available.
Support given by personal contact.
Location (by appointment), phone (07) 870 5242 or e-mail
me and we start from there.
Ages:
Children need to be old enough to have a good attention
span and be able to listen to instruction. Often this may mean
around 10 - 12 years and older. Children younger may learn also
but attitude and interest is a pre-requisite.
Physical size:
Hand size really. Fingers need to be able to reach
the holes on the practice chanters. There are three sizes - childs,
standard and longspan. Often children grow out of the childs size
quite quickly. The cost for childs size and standard size is the same
for basic models, therefore it is sometimes sensible to delay tutoring
until fingers can reach the holes on the standard size practice chanter.
Practice Chanter:
A practice chanter is required. We have them for purchase.
Classes/or individuals can use loan p/chanters during class but these remain
at the classroom as they are for initial instruction only or use if a student
forgets to bring theirs to class.
Books:
Both, a music manuscript book and a tutor book (either "Bryan's" or "College of Piping Book 1"
"Logan's" or the Piping Academy book are OK)are required. Tuition primarily follows the sequence of
the College of Piping (Glasgow) accompanied with notes examples and exercises as the student
progresses.
Writing implements:
A pencil, rubber and ruler. A plain paper note pad and folder.
Computer Access:
Optional..... Tuition and music are enhanced by the use of the
Electric Pipes program for Windows based PCs. All tunes and exercises are available
in abc music file notation and in one of more of the following gif, jpg, png or pdf
file formats. Also the Free use of Michael Eskin's online ABCTools app, for Windows, Apple
and Unix/Linux based internet access.
The Epipes app is written by a NZ developer. The DEMO version is FREE and is
sufficient for all learning purposes. As such it is included with tunes as required.
All tunes used are traditional and outside any copyright concerns. Instruction uses
this computer program. When at an appropriate level students are directed how to
obtain a full licensed version that enables editing and other features.
The online ABCTools app actually handles nt just bagpipes but all other musical
instruments. It has been developed by a software developer heavily involved with
session folk music and expertise in playing several different musical instruments.
ABCTools is a highly recommended online facility.
Tuition Tunes.
Tunes:
A basic tune list plus
"abc" notation and gif image of all tunes
are available and provided.
Music notation example: Scots Wha Hae.
The image below is a file named 'Scots Wha Hae.gif' (size reduced)
followed by the 'abc' text coding for 'Scots Wha Hae.abc'
X:1
%%EPipes[V=2013,LP=120]
T:Scots Wha Hae
C:Trad. Scottish
R:MARCH
L:1/8
M:4/4
Q:1/4=84
K:HP
%%EPipes[LP=170,SP=14,SA=0]
P:A
[|{g}A>B {g}A>G {g}A>B {Gdc}d2|{g}B>c {g}B>A {g}B>c {Gdc}d>e|\
{g}f>a e>f {Gdc}d>e {g}f>e|{g}d>B {gBd}B>{G}A {gAGAG}A4|
{g}A>B {g}A>G {g}A>B {Gdc}d2|{g}B>c {g}B>A {g}B>c {Gdc}d>e|\
{g}f>a e>f {Gdc}d>e {g}f>e|{g}d>B {gBd}B>{G}A {gAGAG}A3 e|]
P:B
[|{g}f>{e}f {g}f>e {g}f>g {ag}a>f|{g}e>{A}e {g}e>d {g}e>f {gf}g2|\
{ag}a>f {g}e>f {Gdc}d>e {g}f>e|{g}d>B {gBd}B>{G}A {gAGAG}A3 e|
{g}f>{e}f {g}f>e {g}f>g {ag}a>f|{g}e>{A}e {g}e>d {g}e>f {gf}g2|\
{ag}a>f {g}e>f {Gdc}d>e {g}f>e|{g}d>B {gBd}B>{G}A {gAGAG}A4|]
% End of tune
NB. If you use the text above, copy it into a text file with the name 'Scots Wha Hae.abc'
using the 'Notepad'* utility. Save the above text from and including "X:1" down to
"% End of tune", into a text file. Open your internet connection and access this
web-site: https://michaeleskin.com/abctools/abctools.html . The web-page has an
entry box displayed. You can copy and paste the code above into the box, or drag the
Sots Wha Hae.abc file you created into the entry box. The web-app will display the
tune in musical score alongside or below the code entered. There is a play function
selected by clicking on 'play', an option right and above the entry box. This opens
another window that displays the score and has start/stop controls for playing what
you see.
Alternatively use the NZ developed 'Electric Pipes' program that can be downloaded
from the www.bakedbean.co.nz web-site. When installed Epipes can be used to display
and play the 'abc' file without having to be registered. The demo install is free.
Epipes can read 'abc' files, but the developer says later versions will no longer
support 'saving in abc format'. However Notepad++ is able to be used for all editing.
All you need to do is learn the 'abc' format coding options. Also the 'demo' versions
of Epipes will not 'print' music notation score sheets. The registered version does.
Any image processing program will print the 'gif' or 'jpg' files shown.
* Windows 11 has dropped Notepad, so users may need to download the free app Notepad++
or substitute another simple text processor.
Music notation example:
Brother John or Frere Jacques.
This is not a traditional bagpipe tune but being a tune
familiar to most children, it is a useful melody to
introduce youngsters to using the practice chanter.
It happens to also fit the bagpipe scale well.
The image below is a file named 'BJ-Frere Jacques.gif' (size reduced)
followed by the 'abc' text coding for 'BJ-Frere Jacques.abc'
X:1
T:Brother John
C:Trad. (Fr)
R:SONG
L:1/8
M:4/4
Q:1/4=84
K:HP
P:A
|:{g}A2 B2 {gcd}c2 A2|{g}A2 B2 {gcd}c2 A2|{g}c2 d2 {gef}e2- e2|\
{g}c2 d2 {gef}e2- e2|
{g}ef ed {gcd}c2 A2|{g}ef ed {gcd}c2 A2|{gBd}B2 G2 {g}A2- A2|\
{gBd}B2 G2 {g}A2- A2:|
X:2
T:Brother John (Frere Jacques)
L:1/16
M:2/4
Q:1/4=84
K:HP
P:A
|:{g}A2B2 {gcd}c2A2|{g}A2B2 {gcd}c2A2|{g}c2d2 {gef}e4|{g}c2d2 {gef}e4|
{g}efed {gcd}c2A2|{g}efed {gcd}c2A2|{gBd}B2G2 {g}A4|{gBd}B2G2 {g}A4:|
NB. If you use the text above, copy it into a text file with the name 'BJ-Frere Jacques.abc'
using the 'Notepad' utility or any other simple text editor. NOT Word Processor apps.
Use Michael Eskin's online web-page https://michaeleskin.com/abctools/abctools.html
which has a data input window into which the 'abc' code displayed can be copied.
This FREE to use page will convert the code into a music score that can be played
online. The online app also acts as an add-on to web-browsers so it can be used while
off-line as well. The 'abc' code can also be used with the NZ developed 'Electric Pipes'
app on Windows PCs and Laptop computers. Electricpipes (Epipes)can be downloaded from
the www.bakedbean.co.nz web-site, and be installed as a Demo version that can be used
without registering and paying a fee. The Demo version of Epipes can read 'abc' files,
but does not allow saving or printing until it is registered. The developer of Epipes
says eventually later versions will support reading but drop support for saving the
'abc' code. However there are many free to use 'abc' apps as it is much used by folk
musicians. Notepad can be used once you've mastered the 'abc' coding Pre Win.11, as
MicroSoft has stuffed up by dropping Notepad unfortunately). There are free apps that
provide all the necessary input, display, editing and printing using 'abc' music
notation coding.
Notepad++ is able to be used for all editing.
ABC code is easy to learn and use. However when used with Epipes the lines of'abc'
code will have two additional lines added automatically as shown below when saved by
the registered version of the app. Also the Q:1/4/=84 line will change to Q:84.
When opened by Epipes for the first time the stave size will for some reason be 10x
deeper than it should. It's easy to fix by using 'edit', 'select all', 'edit' then
click on 'Properties' in options displayed. Then in the panel that is displayed
change the value adjacent to 'line' to 1/10th of the defaulted value displayed.
i.e. if it displays '167.9' change the value to '16.7' and click on OK. The score
will then display correctly.
X:1
%%Epipes[V=2013,LP=125] %This line
T:Brother John
C:Trad. (Fr)
R:SONG
L:1/8
M:4/4
Q:1/4=84
K:HP
%%Epipes[LP=170,SP=14,SA=1] %and this line
P:A
Bagpipe
Use
Limited use of
Dunbar P1 Henderson pattern bagpipes is possible for learners during tuition
and while transitioning from Practice Chanter to their own set of Bagpipes.
Piper Attire
The student is given advice on the wearing of
kilted attire and what can be worn as accessories. Also in presentation
as well as positive deportment for playing. Styles of Kilts, Sporrans
Belts, as well as head wear, plaids associated with full highland dress.
Kilted
Attire
Attire
for short term use by pipers/learners who want to attend or participate
in piping occasions or events is available.
Solo
piping attire.
MKH can make kilts, belts, sporrans, and provide all your
other accessories, including Ghillie Brogue modification
to normal brogued shoes. Spare laces, tassels.
Repairs and reconditioning of belts, sporrans, kilts.
Learner & intermediate pipers.
For anyone having trouble setting their pipes and reeds up assistance is available.
Visit (by appointment) our rural location and
have your pipes set up for you.
This can include re-tying of your bag to fit you.
Or adjusting the blowpipe
Trouble with noise and neighbours?
Practise in our barn or outside in our rural setting.
Or Join the Cambridge & Districts Pipe Band and practice
in Cambridge on Thursday evenings.
Bagpipe Tutor book and tune collection. |
Mitchell Bagpipe Information ,
Ph. (07) 870 5242 |
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